The Job Requirements for an Airline Stewardess
- Employers generally require applicants to be at least 18 to 21 years of age, though higher minimums may apply. Flight attendants must also meet minimum height, weight and other physical standards, so that they are able to reach overhead bins and pull out emergency equipment easily and quickly. A physical exam is needed, so applicants must be in excellent health and have vision that is correctable to 20/30 or better with glasses or contact lenses. Possible reasons for disqualification include visible tattoos, body piercings, unusual hairstyles or makeup, or facial and long hair for men. The ability to speak clearly and interact with people, and remain tactful and poised during stressful situations, are pluses.
- Airlines generally require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent for flight attendants. However, many employers prefer those with a two- or four-year college degrees, especially in flight attendant training. Other desirable courses include travel and tourism, hospitality, communications, psychology, nursing and education. Those interested in international operations must also speak at least one foreign language fluently. Major international airlines prefer those who can handle two or more primary languages. Those who have experience dealing with the public, perhaps from after-school or summer jobs, have an advantage.
- Successful applicants must undergo from three to six weeks of paid formal training sponsored by the employer. This is typically done at the airline’s flight training center, and can include travel to the center as well as room and board. Students learn emergency evacuation, emergency equipment operations, first aid, water survival, dealing with disruptive passengers, and handling hijacking and terrorist threats. They also learn flight regulations and duties, company operations, grooming and weight control. Frequent testing eliminates unsuccessful recruits. Training ends with practice flights.
- Before they can begin working with the public, flight attendants must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. This requires completing training requirement established by the agency, which include knowledge of firefighting, medical emergencies, security procedures and evacuation. They must also perform cabin crew duties and complete a proficiency check. Flight attendants receive certifications for specific types of aircraft, rather than for specific employers or positions. This enables them to switch to different airlines while keeping their current license. In such a case, only one or two days of training is needed, if the aircraft remains the same.
